Post by Logan on Jan 16, 2016 3:44:47 GMT -6
The Oregon Office of Public Defense Services is struggling to attract and retain attorneys because of inadequate compensation by the state, according to the office’s biennial report to the Legislature.
That struggle has resulted in higher caseloads, which could impact case outcomes, wrote Nancy Cozine, executive director of the Public Defense Services Commission.
Several lawyers have taken their complaint to the commission and the Legislature, Cozine said.
“Practitioners explained that it is difficult to attract and keep younger lawyers, most of whom have very high law school debt, due to the low rates paid for public defense cases, and that contract rates are not keeping pace with the rising costs of running a business,” Cozine wrote.
Continue reading at pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/288139-164435-state-pay-might-keep-public-defenders-away .
That struggle has resulted in higher caseloads, which could impact case outcomes, wrote Nancy Cozine, executive director of the Public Defense Services Commission.
Several lawyers have taken their complaint to the commission and the Legislature, Cozine said.
“Practitioners explained that it is difficult to attract and keep younger lawyers, most of whom have very high law school debt, due to the low rates paid for public defense cases, and that contract rates are not keeping pace with the rising costs of running a business,” Cozine wrote.
Continue reading at pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/288139-164435-state-pay-might-keep-public-defenders-away .